2 April 2007
Canterbury Police District 1 July - December 31 2006 statistics
Full details of the 2006 crime statistics are available at www.stats.govt.nz
As outlined on the police website the change LES to NIA recording data renders comparison between the first six months of last year and previous year unsound.
Total reported crime has increased for the corresponding period in 2006.
There has been an increase in reported crime in the Canterbury Police District over the last year says District Commander, Superintendent Sandra Manderson. The District is focusing on reducing the areas of increased crime
Violence is still a concern for the community with increases of particular concern in inner Christchurch City and Mid South Canterbury. The last 3 months has seen a decrease in violence over the District.
Burglary is reported up in all areas except Northern Canterbury. Spikes of commercial burglaries occurred in both Central and Southern Christchurch. The police responded with a successful operation targeting and apprehending commercial burglars in early December 2006. One offender who traveled around the country was responsible for a majority of the offences. He was arrested in mid December.
Car Crime is reported down across the District. Again targeted operations have had a big impact on this area.
Drugs offences have increased. This is an area which positively reflects police activity - these offences are recorded largely because police have detected and initiated the prosecution of them.
33 people died on Canterbury roads during 2006 from 28 fatal crashes, the lowest number of fatal crashes in 20 years. Police will be focusing on seat belt enforcement the remainder of this financial year as during the last 3 months 5 people have died on Canterbury roads who would have survived had they been wearing their seatbelts.
Evidence of the implementation of proactive strategies are seen the in the increase in the number of offences detected for Sale of Liquor Act offences (146% increase) and offences whilst on bail.
In the last year Christchurch City Police stepped up policing of the inner city with targeted operations and an increased presence on the streets on the weekend.
"Some successes are evidenced already in the decrease in car crimes and an increase in enforcement of alcohol bans and bail checks."
In October 2006 the 'One way door' policy, aimed at reducing violence and crime, was implemented by police together with the Christchurch City Council and the hospitality industry.
The Liquor ban has been strictly enforced with recognition of the strong links between excess alcohol consumption and violence.
"We are trying to modify people's behaviour and it takes time for the effects to be reflected in statistics," she says.
The Canterbury Police District is focusing on improving service delivery and is presently producing strategies to enhance this area.
"We have implemented projects such as the publication of a Crime Prevention book, in four languages, aimed at small businesses," says Superintendent Manderson. "By working with groups such as this, which often comprises new members of Canterbury, we can reduce crime and enhance safety in the community."
"The Canterbury Police will be working even more closely with the community in the next year, building on the successful strategies already in place, and looking for new ways to reduce crime and crashes together".